Dreamworld CEO addresses media

Malcolm Turnbull announces new ministry

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces the results of a ministerial reshuffle, to feature six women in cabinet, in the wake of several retirements and resignations. Courtesy ABC News 24.

Steve Ciobo – Trade Minister

Holds the Queensland seat of Moncrieff, was elected to parliament way back in 2001, when just 27 years old. A moderate who was close to Malcolm Turnbull when opposition leader, he initially went backwards under Tony Abbott but, eventually, the promotions began to flow again and he finally enters cabinet after holding international development. Ciobo has big shoes to fill – Andrew Robb stitched up three free trade deals while minster. But Robb will stick around as a special envoy, and his experience will doubtless help the new minister.

Has been a NSW Nationals senator since 2005. Born in Sydney, she worked as a political staffer with Nationals leader Mark Vaile and a couple of other MPs before entering politics. After an early setback after the election of the Abbott government, which cost her chief of staff, she's been a steady hand in the Rural Health portfolio, which she has kept. Added to that are rural communications and, significantly, Regional Development to her responsibilities. That third portfolio was held by former leader Warren Truss and means she will be responsible for the hundreds of millions of dollars in the stronger regions fund. She is the first woman to be part of the Nationals' leadership group.

Advertisement

Darren Chester – Infrastructure and Transport

The surprise packet entry to the federal cabinet. He was elected in 2008 after working for former Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan, and before that as a journalist. The first Nationals MP to publicly back same-sex marriage, he faced a tough pre-selection fight as a result but prevailed. Has served as an assistant defence minister and is an able communicator who will be around for years to come.